According to the Daily Star, new Saints manager Ronald Koeman has set his sights of highly-rated Arsenal youngster Serge Gnabry. Following the departures of Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw, Rickie Lambert, and most recently Calum Chambers, the Dutchman has a matter of weeks to improve his side.

Last season Gnabry made just nine league appearances for the Gunners, although he did score his first ever professional goal. He missed the end of the campaign with a knee injury and is yet to be involved in pre-season after picking up another undisclosed problem. Nonetheless, his cameos saw him rewarded with a new five-year contract.

Team

Pos

Apps

Mins

Goals

Total Att Assist

Pass Success (%)

Dribble Success (%)

Touches / apps

Serge Gnabry

Arsenal

MF

9

464

1

5

85.29

47.83

39.56

He has proven that he has the credentials to thrive as a Premier League winger, completing 85% of his attempted passes and just under half of his take ons, yet he would undoubtedly benefit from regular playing time; something he is more likely to be afforded at St. Mary’s.

With Lukas Podolski, Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla, Tomas Rosicky, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and summer recruit Alexis Sanchez all vying for a place in Arsene Wenger's starting eleven, Gnabry will have his work cut-out if he expects first-team action at the Emirates next season.

Koeman is aware that Arsenal will be keen to hang onto Gnabry, but is hoping that Arsene Wenger will allow the youngster to leave the club on loan.

While there are a number of other clubs believed to be chasing the 19-year-old, the Dutchman will be hoping recent negotiations with Arsenal will place the Saints as favourites to secure his services.

Chris Linnell

Chris is a freelance football writer from Wiltshire, England. He is currently studying Modern History and Politics at the University of Liverpool. He has written for various other sites, including the Boot Room and Bleacher Report. His work has also featured on Eurosport.